Modular tools and systems for practicing indigenous fighting arts, particularly, guardian art

ABSTRACT

Guardian Art training tools including efficiently and functionally created low-cost apparatus manifested in a plurality of elastically deformable modular polyhedral members, with striking surfaces angled in ordinal planes and elastic deformation in tower structures made from the polyhedral members attached by Velcro® brand of attachments, inter alia.

This application claims the full Paris Convention benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/022,277, filed May 8, 2020.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosures relate to the tools, devices and apparatus used to support martial/fighting arts, training, practice, and competition preparation. In particular, the present invention includes modular, rapidly assembled and easily shipped elements, worked into training routines live and as needed, with the use of video sessions, including Zoom® and Microsoft Teams® calls.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURES

For at least most of the last two decades, practice of various foms of martial arts have been recognized as helpful and positive fitness and focus tools. Native American teachings have combined the original basis for this “great game” (precursor to modern Lacrosse), with fitness training and understanding of one person's limits. To these ends, the inventor and his team have spent enough time and allocated sources to gain a deep understanding of how to apply physical forces of nature to objects in the world and teach others inherent spiritual and physical benefits such as Guardian Art and related disciplines. About 15 years ago, the Inventor started one of the first public facilities to teach an indigenous fighting art called Guardian Art, which shares moves in common with MMA (mixed martial arts), acrobatics, Parkour and obstacle course training, along with Lacrosse-related elements. In application of the spiritual aspect of self-actualization, and access to the world, to teach Parkour and obstacle course skills, there was no equipment commercially available or practical. Therefore, the inventor had to custom-make much equipment, or use gymnastics equipment in new ways.

Access to proper training for fitness is an essential need for humans. The present invention represents blood, sweat and tears devoted to pioneering obstacle course style systems and devices to benefit indigenous and needful groups, individuals and communities. This contribution to science and the useful arts satisfies needs qualifying it for a United States Letters Patent.

The universality of the “great game” or, Guardian Game subject apparatus, and systems render them applicable to fitness training, gymnastics and/or other martial and conditioning arts and sciences. As Parkour and obstacle course training got more popular, certain equipment became commercially available, but such were more built for kids (ages 3-6) gymnastics “ninja” programs and not for Guardian Art. Around the same time (4-5 years ago) the inventor's team began to host Guardian Art camps for indigenous communities across North America.

Objects and Summary of the Inventions

Briefly stated, apparatus, systems and methods for Guardian Art are best supported by properly made and designed equipment, fully disclosed herein.

According to embodiments, there is provided an equipment set being a plurality of modular components comprising, in combination: various regular and irregular polyhedrons attachable for forming barriers, jumping and climbing over structures, striking surfaces, and the like Guardian Art related exercise which, in many cases, may apply to gymnastics or other fitness and related arts.

According to embodiments, there is provided an equipment set as defined herein, which further comprises means for attachments of the various regular and irregular life-sized polyhedrons.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various preferred embodiments are described herein with references to the drawings in which merely illustrative views are offered for consideration, whereby:

FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of a multi-block system cartoon schematic showing a plurality of box-like life-sized polyhedrons with handles or means for attaching illustrated, polyhedrons;

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows schematically an additional configuration;

FIG. 4 additionally shows a rectangular element along with additional details;

FIG. 5 likewise presents a partial plan and perspective view of the same;

FIG. 6 shows a ventral view of the dome-like elements;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of these elements;

FIG. 8 shows a top view of the same;

FIG. 9 is a plan view in partial perspective of a rectangular element;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a squared element, according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a rectangular element in an upright position;

FIG. 12 shows assembled ramp elements adjacent to a major rhombus element/polyhedron;

FIG. 13 likewise shows detail of the major rhombus element/polyhedron;

FIG. 14 is another view of this element;

FIG. 15 shows another partial plan view of this family of elements;

FIG. 16 is a dorsal view of the same;

FIG. 17 demonstrates an alignment of multiple elements along an axis;

FIG. 18 is an elevated bottom view of the dome-like elements of the present invention; and,

FIG. 19 is a side view of an assembled ramp element, according to the instant teachings.

The present inventor has combined training tools for those interested in fitness/martial arts training through the Guardian Art discipline, which also provides obstacle course and gymnastic applications to Artisans. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

The present inventor has taken Native American and spiritual approaches to physical training back to their cultural and historical roots. The invention incorporates self defense with traditional spirit running (the precursor to today's Parkour), Guardian Game (the original version of Lacrosse) and Native American cultural teachings. Guarding Art practice centers around learning the responsibility and skills of a guardian, or compassionate protector of the Earth and its inhabitants. This is the goal of Guardian Art training; to create a community of guardians committed to protecting our heritage, our community, and our Earth.

The present inventor has overcome drawbacks in structure and function by optimized use of conventional materials to create a safe, effective and durable product. For the purposes of the application, “polyhedral modular units” and “interchangeable polyhedrons” are defined as obstacles large and grounded enough to impede progress through the subject course for human participants/users; likewise, “modular units” means definitionally joinable and readily detachable to and with each of said other respective members. Nothing in the prior art was amenable to evolved training needs. Each figure shows cartooned and schematic examples exhibiting the claimed features of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an example is shown of a modular tower 101 comprised of a plurality of modular units which are assembled together including squares 103, rectangles 105, half-domes 107, and ramping members. Referring also to FIG. 2, there is also shown a trapezoidal stand-alone member 111, with zipper 333.

Those skilled in the art understand how attachment mechanisms such as the illustrated Velcro® brand of attachment system optimizes the combination of the polyhedral modular units into numerous configurations, including tower 101. The heights may be adjusted for different aged and sized participants/users. Referring now also to FIG. 3, an irregular frusto-conical shape 108 is shown with Velcro® brand of strips shown 201. Having had experimented with options as shown, the straps are proximal to, but spaced apart from the edges of the polyhedra. Primary flaws of the most commercially popular products include those products not being made to allow for climbing training, and requiring people to hold different pieces of equipment together for stability.

Referring now to FIG. 4, trapezoidal polyhedron 111 is shown with Velcro® brand of strips 201 and 203, and exemplary size 205. Complementary strips 206 and 207 allow for ready attachment to matching Velcro® fasteners on any other polyhedral unit.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, trapezoidal polyhedron 111 is shown, along with a ventral view of the half-tubular or Dome unit 107 showing zipper 333 and Velcro® type (carpet side) fastener placements. Likewise flipping Dome 107 shows hand handles 420. Example dimensions here can be 18 inches (411) and 3 feet (417).

FIGS. 9-19 likewise show the rectangular polyhedron 105 in several views, squared polyhedron 103 and ramping element 122 comprised of triangle-like trapezoids 111. Figures show the rotational shapes and respective positioning of the Velcro® brand of attachment or related ways to connect the products.

Some of the current products have straps, but the straps are attached to the object itself and have limited options of where straps can connect. It was decided to surround the modular objects with the carpet side (loop) of the Velcro® and connect them using straps that have the hook side. The inventor created a variation of side straps to allow for different options. The inventor had to strategically place the carpet side of the Velcro® away from the borders of areas someone might use to climb, since when Velcro® was at the borders, it would make users slip when climbing. Artisans understand interchangeability of other attachment means for Velcro®.

Since Guardian Art encompasses fighting; targets users can strike are included, combined into the target objects. A grid of loop side of Velcro® around the objects allows quick attachment and detachment of various shapes that participants/users can then use for striking. Having various shapes allows participants/users to strike different surfaces and at different angles.

Examples of these types of shapes used for striking are dome striker top 107 and storm striker tower 101.

Likewise, referring to all the Figures, “storm tower with storm striker” shows the “storm striker” attached to it. One cannot train to strike upward/downward strikes such as an uppercut on a normal punching bag. It requires an uppercut bag. With the “storm striker” attached to the “storm tower,” the system can be configured to train a larger variety of strikes in one system. The height/angle is also adjustable.

While several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present disclosure is/are used.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present disclosure is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified, unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment,” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

Certain embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using, consisting of, or consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consisting of” essentially limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of the invention so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

As one skilled in the art would recognize as necessary or best-suited for performance of the methods of the invention, a computer system or machines of the invention include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both), a main memory and a static memory, which communicate with each other via a bus.

A processor may be provided by one or more processors including, for example, one or more of a single core or multi-core processor (e.g., AMD Phenom II X2, Intel Core Duo, AMD Phenom II X4, Intel Core i5, Intel Core I & Extreme Edition 980X, or Intel Xeon E7-2820).

An I/O interface may include a video display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit, a signal generation device (e.g., a speaker), an accelerometer, a microphone, a cellular radio frequency antennae, and a network interface device (e.g., a network interface card (NIC), Wi-Fi card, cellular modem, data jack, Ethernet port, modem Jack, HDMI port, mini-HDMI port, USB port), touchscreen (e.g., CRT, LCD, LED, AMOLED, Super AMOLED), pointing device, trackpad light (e.g., LED), light/image projection device, or a combination thereof.

Memory according to the invention refers to a non-transitory memory, which is provided by one or more tangible devices which preferably include one or more machine readable medium on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The software may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory processor, or both during execution thereof by a computer within system, the main memory and the processor also constituting machine-readable media. The software may further be transmitted or received over a network via the network interface device.

While the machine-readable medium can in an exemplary embodiment be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. Memory may be, for example, one or more of a hard disk drive, solid state drive (SSD), an optical disc, flash memory, zip disk, tape drive, “cloud” storage location, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, a device of the invention includes a tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium for memory. Exemplary devices for use as memory include semiconductor memory devices, (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, solid state drive (SSD), and flash memory devices, (e.g., SD, micro SD, SDXC, SDIO, SDHC cards); magnetic disks, (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks); and optical disks (e.g., CD and DVD disks).

Furthermore, numerous references have been made to patents and printed publications throughout this specification. Each of the above-cited references and printed publications are individually incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved modular and readily assembled equipment set for conditioning and Guardian Art training, which comprises, in combination: a plurality of polyhedral modular units, arranged to be readily attached and detached, and affixed to each other by attachment to each respective polyhedral modular unit; whereby the assembled polyhedral modular units are arranged in a course through which users/participants must traverse; said traversal including climbing over, jumping and striking pre-selected areas designated for climbing over and striking, depending upon each individuated respective polyhedral modular unit and assembly to be addressed.
 2. The improved equipment set of claim 1; whereby each said polyhedral modular unit is weighted and ballasted whereby it remains effective to resist (namely return to original status) repeated user/participant stress, owing to structure and elastic deformability.
 3. The improved equipment set of claim 2, the polyhedral modular units consisting essentially of at least one geometric configuration selected from the group of triangular, squared, rectangular, trapezoidal, half-cylindrical and irregular, Frusto-conical polyhedrons.
 4. The improved equipment set of claim 3, further comprising, in combination; individuated striking surface target zones; being attached to select members of said polyhedral modular units whereby an orthogonal angular relationship is maintained relating to a plane available for a participant to strike. the improved equipment set of claim 3, whereby the polyhedrons include assembled tower assemblies, made up of at least about 5 to several modular sub-units attached together, which users must climb over to traverse.
 5. The improved equipment set of claim 4, whereby the individual trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, half-cylindrical and squared units may be used to springboard users onto the towers.
 6. The improved equipment set of claim 5, whereby the polyhedrons may be attached to form ramp elements.
 7. The improved equipment set of claim 6, whereby elongated half-cylindrical members are attachable to other polyhedral modular units, creating half-dome elements adding challenges to traversal of the same.
 8. The improved equipment set of claim 7, further comprising, in combination: at least one minor and major squared, rectangular, and frusto-conical irregularly shaped polyhedral modular units.
 9. The improved equipment set of claim 8, the units each including Velcro® brand of attached hooks and loops arranged in strips upon each of the units in predetermined patterns to facilitate ready attachment and detachment.
 10. The improved equipment set of claim 9, whereby elastic memory enables the deformation and rapid return to shape of each of the units where impacted by a participant/user.
 11. A process for manufacturing select polyhedral obstacle course barriers, comprising, in combination: providing a first material, (polyurethane or related foam or rubber elements) packaged in geometric shapes pre-designed; wrapping the first material in a covering, along with foam, all within an exterior zipped covering; forming a stand-alone polyhedral modular unit effective to bear weight, sustain striking blows, and return to its initial state through elastic deformation memory.
 12. The process of claim 11, the elastic deformation having sufficient memory to withstand multiple instances of being thrown, ground and pounded, impacted by acrobatic movements and addressed with full body weight of participants/users; yet being able to return to its initial state.
 13. Products by the process of claim 12, further comprising: at least a surface layer upon which attachment mechanisms, including strips of Velcro® brand of fastening assemblies are disposed.
 14. Products by the process of claim 13, including readily assembled major and minor squares, rectangles, elongated tubular halves to form towers that are larger than human size to be traversed.
 15. Products by the process of claim 14, further comprising: a kit or an equipment set, further comprising at least five regular polyhedral shapes, at least two irregular polyhedrons and sized and scaled variations thereof.
 16. A system comprised of a plurality of polyhedrons which can stand alone, and can be assembled into towers and along a course for users to traverse, including movements embodied in Guardian Art types of training and exercises according to Native American traditions, along with Lacrosse-related elements, whereby participants traversing the course strive to achieve milestones in traversing and striking particular polyhedral modular units based upon performing desired sequences of movements.
 17. The system of claim 16, whereby participants can be taught to emulate native culture inspired physical training, including striking behavior, kicking motions, and climbing and acrobatics defining Guardian Art or related mixed martial arts, which is safe for children.
 18. A process for preserving Native American cultural heritage, comprising, in combination: incorporating exercise and fitness rules based upon traditional spirit running (the precursor to Parkour) and self-defense; providing a series of easily assembled elastically deformable modular units to arrange as obstacles; crafting supplemental exercise and fitness rules based on the legacy Guardian Game (Lacrosse) and teaching training and competition to novices based on the same.
 19. A product by the process of claim 18, denominated as Guardian Art and able to be packaged, sold, and made available to those in need along with any other participants. 